John Rankin House (Ripley, Ohio) facts for kids
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John Rankin House
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 6152 Rankin Hill Rd., Ripley, Ohio |
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| Area | 20 acres (8.1 ha) |
| Built | 1828 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000485 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 10, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | February 18, 1997 |
The John Rankin House is a special historic house museum located in Ripley, Ohio. It was built in 1828. This house was once the home of John Rankin, a Presbyterian minister who strongly opposed slavery. He was an important figure in the abolitionist movement.
The house was also a key stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom. Famous author Harriet Beecher Stowe visited Rankin. Her visit helped inspire parts of her famous book, Uncle Tom's Cabin. The State of Ohio bought the house in 1938. Today, the Ohio History Connection runs it, and you can visit it for tours. In 1997, it was named a National Historic Landmark.
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About the John Rankin House
The John Rankin House sits on a hill. It looks out over the town of Ripley and the Ohio River. The property covers about 20 acres. You can reach the house by a drive that starts near Rankin Hill Road.
The House's Design
The house itself is a simple brick building. It has one and a half stories and a roof that slopes down on the sides. The front of the house has three sections. The main door is in the middle, with windows on either side. A small porch with a sloped roof covers the entrance. Inside, the house has a central hallway. There are four rooms on the first floor. Two small bedrooms are located upstairs in the attic. Many original parts of the house are still there. This includes wide floorboards and carved fireplace decorations.
John Rankin's Important Work
John Rankin, a minister who fought against slavery, built this house in 1828. He raised his large family here. But it was also a very important place for enslaved people seeking freedom. These brave individuals often crossed the Ohio River from Kentucky, which was a slave state at the time. They were often guided by a "conductor" from the Underground Railroad.
It is believed that John Rankin helped more than 2,000 enslaved people gain their freedom. He did this even though it was very dangerous for him. People who supported slavery often watched the house. Some slave owners even offered money to anyone who would capture Rankin. After the American Civil War ended slavery, the Rankin family sold the house. The state bought it in 1938 to preserve its history.
Other Related Places
- John P. Parker House, another important Underground Railroad site in Ripley
- List of Underground Railroad sites
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Ohio
